The Beckhams' items on eBay lead to trusted servants' arrest

Published: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 13:32 [IST]

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London, Oct 14 : Ace footballer David Beckham and his 'Spice Girl' wife Victoria's trusted housekeepers were arrested on suspicion of theft after some items belonging to the celebrity couple appeared on eBay.

Eric and June Emmett, both in their 50's, have been working for the Beckham's for more than 10 years, looking after their multi-million pound home in Sawbridgeworth, Herts.

The Beckhams were shocked that the people they had trusted for so long could commit such a thing, according to reports.

"They are both very shaken. The idea someone has been rifling through their personal possessions is bad enough, but to think it is allegedly people they trusted so much is even more horrific," the Sun quoted one of their friends as saying.

"David and Victoria can't believe it. They just don't know who to trust any more. David was livid when he found out," another source added.

The theft was discovered by Posh's parents, who were tipped off about the items being offered for sale on eBay, and later confirmed that the items were missing from the house.

"They were most personal and sentimental items collected by Victoria and David during their time abroad. Some of the things were given to them as presents and are unique because they were specially made for them," a source said.

"They include mostly small but expensive trinkets and some pieces which were on decorative display. Together they add up to quite a high value.

"It seems that the property was being offered on the website to the highest bidder - and obviously it may have had the Beckham pedigree attached," the source added.

Hertfordshire Police arrested the aged couple from their home in Nazeing, Essex on October 10, where they were questioned and bailed to return to Hoddesdon police station on November 22, pending further investigation.

A police spokesman confirmed the arrest of the elderly couple in connection with the theft.

"We are currently investigating an allegation of theft from a private address in Sawbridgeworth. A 56-year-old woman from Essex and a 55-year-old man, also from Essex, have been arrested in connection with this incident and are currently on police bail," he said.

A spokesman for eBay said that they were working with the police to resolve the matter.

"We are working with police to establish the facts. We will not tolerate stolen items being listed on the site," the spokesman said.

June Emmett denied on October 13 that she and her husband committed any crime and was confident they would not face any charges.

"This has all come as a bolt from the blue," she said.

A spokesman for the Beckhams has declined to comment on the situation.

"It would be inappropriate to comment as the matter in police hands," he said.